Academic excellence was the focal point Monday night at the “Sophomores Rock Celebration” in the Black and Gold Room of the Favrot Student Union on the campus of Grambling State University.
This was a “Dress to Impress” banquet by the Sophomore Class Executive Board Student Government Association. The banquet was to recognize students who made Honor Roll, Dean’s or President’s list during the 2011 to 2012 academic year. Class President Marcus Solomon served as the master of ceremonies.
Not only was the event for those who excelled academically, but also a chance for Sophomore class to interact with each other.
“We put this event together for us to come together and to show our positive side,” said Solomon.
“I did this event to bring light to the positive things our class is doing, because so often people harp on the negative.”
This was the first time a class held its own banquet to honor each other and bring harmony to the class.
The event started with a meet and greet period followed by the introduction of the sophomore SGA board.
The second floor of the student union was not only filled with academically gifted students, but sophomores who performed songs and poems for the banquet including Raven Kelly who moved the crowd with her rendition of the gospel song “I’m grateful.”
There were other singing performances and poems by students throughout the program.
During the event the SGA board made other key recognitions of sophomores Derrick Young and Gabrielle Davis.
Young is the director of Student Relations and was recognized for registering 784 students on campus to vote for the upcoming 2012 presidential election.
Davis, a hospitality major, was recognized as sophomore mother to be.
“I was so shocked I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Davis.
“It has been very hard for me being a pregnant student on campus. But I feel a lot of support, and I know I have people here who love me.”
The night ended with entertainment from GSU’s own DjTwinz and the students danced, socialized, and came together as a class.
“This night exceeded my expectations I didn’t expect this many people to attend but I am very happy with everything and we hope to have an even bigger event next year,” said Smith.